The Importance of Taking a Creative Break

Exploring Intuitive Art

Hello Creative Souls,

Welcome to my February catch up, thank you for being here and taking some time out of your day to read my post. For those of you that follow me on other platforms, such as TikTok and YouTube, you may be aware of my decision to take a creative pause and step back to rest, reevaluate and recuperate during the winter months. After Christmas I experienced a ‘flare up’, due to Rheumatoid Arthritis. It hasn’t been much fun as this flare affected my fingers, hands and wrists, it also affected my jaw, which is a joy. My body was telling me to just stop, to take a step back and to focus on my self care and self healing, so I had little choice but to listen. I am getting there, slowly, but getting there, nonetheless. I have had time to really think about how I want to move forward and why I do what I do, I guess it’s also known as ‘soul searching’ and what better time to do that than during the winter months when nature has also taken a ‘pause’, what better example than that of nature and Mother Earth.

“The ability to look deeply is the root of creativity. To see past the ordinary and mundane and get to what might otherwise be invisible.”¹

In our fast-paced world, the constant demand for productivity can become overwhelming. Whether you're a busy professional, a student, or a creative enthusiast, it's easy to become caught up in a cycle of work and responsibilities, leaving little room for self-expression or mental rejuvenation. This is where the concept of taking a creative break comes into play, with intuitive painting offering an exciting, open-ended way to explore your creativity without bounds.

Embrace the Pause

While it might feel counterintuitive to take a break when deadlines loom, stepping back can be crucial for maintaining creativity and mental well-being. Creative breaks allow us to recharge our mental batteries, offer fresh perspectives, and can even lead to more innovative solutions when we return to our tasks. By intentionally setting aside time to pause, we create a space for our minds to wander, reflect, and explore new ideas. I have been dabbling with intuitive painting for a while now and so I bought myself some books to see how other artists practice this way of creating art. I wanted to know, how do they achieve the freedom of expression? What materials do they use? Is this part of my spiritual growth? What inspires them?

What is Intuitive Painting?

Intuitive painting is a process-oriented form of art that prioritises the creative journey over the final outcome. Unlike traditional art forms that often require technical skills or preconceived concepts, intuitive painting encourages spontaneity, play, and experimentation. It invites individuals to connect with their emotions, express themselves freely, and trust their instincts as they move the brush across the canvas, paper or sketchbook.

Benefits of Intuitive Painting

1. Stress Relief: Engaging in intuitive painting can be incredibly therapeutic. The focus shifts from the pressures of perfection to the joy of exploration, allowing stress to dissipate as creativity flows.

2. Increases Self-Awareness: As you paint intuitively, you may find yourself tapping into thoughts and emotions you weren't consciously aware of, leading to greater self-understanding and release.

3. Fosters Creativity: By letting go of expectations, intuitive painting nurtures a sense of playfulness that can inspire new ideas and creative solutions in other areas of life.

How to Get Started

Beginning your intuitive painting journey requires nothing more than a few supplies and an open mind. Here's how you can dive in:

• Gather your materials: All you need are some paints (I’ve been exploring with acrylics), brushes, and a canvas or paper. Choose colours that speak to you and feel free to experiment with various tools and materials. I’ve been using my fingers (whilst wearing protective gloves), and discovered a tool called a wedge by Catalyst.

• Set the mood: Create a calming environment with music, lighting, or scents that inspire you. I like to light a candle and sometimes listen to a podcast, I love ‘Small Ways to Live Well’ from the Simple Things and ‘As the Season Turns’ hosted by Lia Leendertz.

• Let go of expectations: Approach your canvas with a sense of curiosity, free from judgment or preconceived notions. For me, it’s about not having to share the finished piece or even share the process. Previously, I would be more focused on whether I could film the process and post it on my YouTube channel or TikTok, which stole the very concept of intuitive painting or just creating art because it makes me feel good.

• Enjoy the process: Allow yourself to paint freely, focusing on the experience rather than the final result.

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Intuitive Paintings

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In conclusion, taking a creative break and exploring intuitive painting can be a transformative experience. It offers a unique opportunity to reconnect with oneself, reduce stress, and unleash creativity in a way that enriches both personal and professional life. So why not give it a try? Embrace the pause, pick up a brush, and see where your intuition takes you.

I have listed the books below that have really helped me to relax and enjoy the creative process once again, although I still have some way to go in order to truly ‘let go’, I am enjoying exploring, playing and creating art on canvas, listening to my inner voice, reducing the noise from the outside world and going within.

Until next time, dear reader, stay naturally curious, practice self-care, and leave me a comment below - do you paint intuitively? Your thoughts and experiences are invaluable, and I'd love to hear from you! Remember, as Albert Einstein once said,

"Creativity is intelligence having fun." Let your imagination soar!

Clare 🙏💜

Books:

Sacred Art by Kathleen Hoffmann (Thank you to my lovely friend that gifted this book to me)

Painting the Sacred Within by Faith Evens-Sills & Mati Rose McDonough

Brave Intuitive Painting. Let Go. Be Bold. Unfold by Flora Bowley

1. The Creative Act: A Way of Being by Rick Rubin